How to Choose the Best Swimsuit for Your Body Type

Whether you’re heading to the beach for vacation or getting ready to enjoy the summer sun, you’ll want to find the right swimsuit to spark confidence. When looking for the best swimsuit for your body, make sure to pay attention to the style and cut of the swimsuit as well as the color and pattern of the fabric. From curvy frames to athletic builds, you’ll learn what swimwear works best for your body type.

Triangle Body Type

Women with a triangle body type have narrow shoulders with a wider hip curve. This body type is also referred to as “pear” shaped. When choosing a swimsuit, you will want to find something that fills out the shoulders while guiding attention inward at the waist and up to the face. The idea is to highlight your curves while providing the perfect balance of support and coverage. If you prefer to play down your curves, avoid string bikinis with thicker ties which can draw attention to your widest areas. The key with pear-shaped bodies is balancing your proportions while providing adequate coverage for your bottom half.

Flattering Swimsuit Styles:

• Ruffled tops
• Narrow straps
• Halter necklines
• Asymmetrical styles
• High-waisted bottoms
• Clean-skirted bottoms
• Tops with horizontal prints

Swimsuit Styles to Avoid:

• Flared skirts
• Peplum style swimsuits
• Bottoms with horizontal print

Inverted Triangle Body Type

If you have broad shoulders and narrow hips, you have an inverted triangle body type. This body type is also referred to as a strawberry shape. When looking for a swimsuit, the goal with this body type is to slightly fill out the hip area while guiding attention inward at the shoulders and up to the face. Filling out the hip area with flared skirts or cheeky bottoms will accentuate your curves and balance your shape.

Flattering Swimsuit Styles:

• Flared skirts
• Open v-necks
• High-cut swimsuits
• Cheeky bikini bottoms
• Side-tie bikini bottoms
• Peplum style swimsuits 
• Wide straps or halter straps
• Solid color tops with printed bottoms

Swimsuit Styles to Avoid: 

• Narrow straps
• Horizontal lines
• Clingy or bulky tops

Oval Body Type

If you have a wide waist, full hip curve, and full thighs, you are likely an oval body type, also referred to as “apple” shaped. Women with an oval body type also occasionally have a fuller bust. When looking for a swimsuit, you’ll want something that emphasizes the shoulder area and visually lengthens your figure. Swimsuits for oval body types should guide attention inward at the waist and up to the face. The idea is to highlight your curves while providing the perfect balance of support and coverage. 

Flattering Swimsuit Styles:

• Tankinis
• Side paneling 
• Swim dresses
• Deep necklines 
• High waisted bottoms
• Diagonal prints or seams
• Wide straps or halter straps

Swimsuit Styles to Avoid: 

• Bulky or clingy fabrics
• Side-tie bikini bottoms
• Narrow shoulder straps

Hourglass Body Type

If you have a small waist, fuller bust, and wider hip curve, you likely have an hourglass body type. When choosing a swimsuit to flatter your hourglass figure, your objective should be to draw attention away from possible fullness in your bust and hips and guide attention towards your face. Avoiding tops and bottoms that stop at the widest part of your hips will elongate your legs and accentuate your smaller waist. Styles that add fullness to your waist with patterns, designs, or fabrics are another great option for you if you are looking to minimize your curves.

Flattering Swimsuit Styles: 

• High-cut swimsuits
• Asymmetrical styles
• Form-fitted swimsuits
• High-waisted bottoms
• Colorblocked patterns

Swimsuit Styles to Avoid: 

• Tankinis
• Monokinis
• String bikinis

Rectangle Body Type

Women with a wider waist, fuller bust, and straight body line likely have a rectangle body shape. The key to finding flattering swimsuit styles for a rectangle body shape is to create the appearance of a curvier waist. If you have a rectangle body shape, swimsuits that widen and accentuate your shoulders will make your waist appear narrower, guiding the attention inwards towards your waist and creating the illusion of curves. The same effect comes from swimsuits with belting or cinching at the waist.

Flattering Swimsuit styles:

• Diagonal lines
• Patterned tops
• Belted bottoms
• Halter-neck tops
• High-waisted bottoms
• Dark-colored waistlines
• Belted/tie-waist one-piece swimsuits

Swimsuit Styles to Avoid: 

• String bikinis
• Bandeau tops
• Horizontal lines
• Low-rise bottoms

No matter your body type, there are swimsuit styles, cuts, and patterns that will help highlight your best features. With so many options like bikinis, tankinis, and one-piece swimsuits our suggestions may help you narrow down your search. Just remember, the most important part of choosing a swimsuit is finding one that makes you feel confident!



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